Temple statue stolen from Niantic lawn

East Lyme — A local artist is searching for a 50-pound bronze sculpture that has disappeared from his yard in Niantic.

Sculptor Alvin Sher and his wife Pat notified police this morning that the sculpture was stolen off a granite block near their driveway. The sculpture had been about 10 feet from the front steps of their home.

Crafted to look like a temple, the bronze sculpture has a green patina and stands at 13 inches high by 10 inches wide by 6 inches deep.

Alvin Sher, who created the sculpture about 10 years ago, said the sculpture has references to temples around the world and was particularly inspired by Africa and Asia. He crafted it in a unique way to include cast bronze, as well as a plate of bronze that was curved and welded to the top of the sculpture.

“It’s been a stepping stone over the years,” he said.

Anyone with information about the missing sculpture can contact the East Lyme Police Department at (860)739-5900.